Additional and updated therapeutic ideas and skills ​added to the basic TCI programme

TCIF is ​the therapeutic course for foster carers and adopters. But we offer a version of TCIF that provides an even more therapeutic approach, adding ideas and techniques developed since the latest version of TCIF was released in 2012. TCIF Plus covers the basic TCIF programme and provides a greater understanding of the latest research on developmental trauma and attachment and it teaches additional therapeutic ideas and skills.TCI Plus adds to the TCI curriculum ideas and techniques based on the recent work of Bessel van der Kolk, Daniel Hughes, Kim Golding, Daniel Siegel, Ross Greene, Amber Elliott and others. It includes the latest ideas on teaching young people how to understand and regulate their emotions based on the work of Matthew Lieberman and the insights of mindfulness.

Understand behaviourThe work of Bessel van der Kolk, Martin Teicher and others on the effect of developmental trauma on the brain . How adaptations to the brain caused by trauma can affect how a child thinks, feels, perceives the world and behaves. The role of the amygdala, pre-frontal cortex and the hormone cortisol. The effect of trauma on attachment. Understanding and assessing the inner world of a child as the first step towards helping.

Understand unhelpful and therapeutic responses to behaviourWhy traditional child care techniques may not work with a child who has suffered developmental trauma. The very limited role of consequences. Using therapeutic techniques that convey acceptance and connection rather thanjudgement.

Deal with our own feelingsUnderstanding our reactions to defiant and challenging behaviour. Keeping calm using cues statements, affect labelling and some ideas from mindfulness.ConnectThe importance of connecting with children and young people who don’t like or trust adults. Techniques to connect with a young person using understanding, compassion and empathy. The calming effect of connection. The importance of connecting first before listening, problem solving, or giving directions.

NegotiateUnderstanding the real issue behind friction over routines and house rules. Using connection and active listening in a collaborative negotiation process.

Regulate emotionsHelping children understand and regulate their emotions. Coping strategies that work in the moment. Adapting the cue statement, affect labelling and mindfulness for young people. For more information on this see our page on the therapeutic task.

Understand and respond to self injuryAn introduction to understanding and responding to young people who self injure. Explaining the mystery of why people who self injure can say it makes them feel better.THE TCI PLUS WORKBOOKThe TCI Plus workbook is brief, simple, presented in plain English and is intended to be accessible and user-friendly. The book is copyright but an electronic version is available.

​Programme

The TCIF Plus programme is adaptable. It can be taught over 3, 4, or 5 days, over shorter days to allow carers to drop off and collect children from school, and even short evening sessions. But here is an example of the full programme over 5 days:​DAY ONE 9.30 Introductions1. Understanding the effects of developmental trauma. Brain adaptations to survive in a hostile world. BREAK2. Understanding how a young person thinks, feels, perceives and behaves: The inner world.3. The therapeutic approach: What helps and what doesn’t help. Acceptance and connection rather than judgement12.30 LUNCH4. The carer's tool box. Five styles of interacting with children.5. Assessing the situation.BREAK6. Understanding our feelings and keeping calm. Awareness, labelling emotions, breathing.3.30 FINISHDAY TWO9.30 Refocus7. The therapeutic response. Understanding the young person’s feelings and needs.8. The stages of an incident: The stress model of crisisBREAK9. Prevention: Making life easier for a young person who is easily triggered.12.30 LUNCH10. Active listeningBREAK11. Practising active listening3.30 FINISH

DAY THREE9.30 Refocus12. Making emotional connections: The therapeutic response. Connection before co-operation.BREAK13. Understanding problems with expectations and house rules14. Negotiation skills. Collaborating over issues that cause friction12.30 LUNCH15. Using consequencesBREAK16. De-escalating agitated behaviour: Behaviour support techniques.3.30 FINISHDAY FOUR 9.30 Refocus17. Dealing with emotional outbursts: Emotional first aid18. Avoiding power struggles​BREAK19. Non-verbal behaviour. Understanding and controlling our body language.20. De-escalating potentially violent behaviour. Calming a young person flooded with emotion.12.30 LUNCH21. Helping young people understand and regulate their feelings.BREAK22. Talking to a young person after an incident. A therapeutic debriefing technique. (The LSI.)3.30 FINISHDAY FIVE9.30 Refocus23. Talking to younger children after incidents: the shortened LSIBREAK24. Understanding self injury12.30 LUNCH25. The therapeutic response to helping young people suffering emotional turmoilBREAK26. The support plan: Written plans to clarify the approach to helping a young person27. Implementing the TCI system.28. Review of the course3.30 FINISH​​

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